You look so pretty….. riding along! Well, you will after you tone up those thighs and get some visual R&R with a cycling tour through some of Asia’s most scenic bike trails. Put the pedal to the metal with this wheelie fun adventure-fitness-relaxation-holiday…
A cycling holiday ticks all the boxes – it’s fun, improves fitness, inspiring, a great cultural experience and the scenery is a sight to behold. Leading premium cycling tour company Grasshopper Adventures has been helping travellers get fit and have fun in Asia for the past 10 years. This year, to celebrate their anniversary, company founder Jason Williams nominates his Ultimate Top 5 Cycling trips through Asia. Pack your back pack and flask and check out some of these exotic locales…
Top 5 cycling rides through Asia
1. Vietnam
You couldn’t get more iconic than a 543km ride from Saigon to Hanoi, past kilometres of stunning beaches, traditional villages, the heritage-listed town of Hoi An and the Forbidden City of Hue. Meals are also a highlight of this 12-day trip, with delicious fresh seafood often available.
2. China
Immerse yourself in the unforgettable culture, cuisine and alpine landscapes of north-west Yunnan Province on the challenging 510km Spiritual Shangri-La cycling tour. From the white-tipped peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the mind-blowing Tiger Leaping Gorge, this 14-day adventure through the foothills of the Tibetan Himalayas shows off the very best that China has to offer.
A pit-stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge, China.
3. Laos
Travelling from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, the 14-day Lao Lao trip is a classic ride through one of South-East Asia’s less-toured gems. Cycle up mountains, alongside rivers, past remote hill tribe villages then detour to the remarkable Plain of Jars, where giant Iron Age stone jars dot the landscape. Finish with a gentle cruise past the beautiful limestone karst scenery of the Vang Vieng area.
A cool wait to meet the local children in Laos…. And the local animals meandering down the road!
4. Myanmar
Uncover the mystery and beauty of this predominantly rural and still-undeveloped country on the 13-day Myanmar Magic tour. Ride through the picturesque Shan Hills, explore Inle Lake and the ancient pagodas of Bagan Plain, all the while snacking on Burmese treats, chatting with locals and taking in the diverse, often mountainous landscapes.
Cycling through Myanmar temples on a Grasshopper Adventure ride.
5. Cambodia
Starting in Siem Reap, home of the famous ruins of Angkor Wat, the 12-day Karma Cambodia cycle tour explores the rich culture, history and landscapes of this often misunderstood country. Visit Tonle Sap Lake, the largest in South-East Asia, remote villages, cassava, corn and rubber plantations, Kep National Park and the beachside idyll of Sihanoukville. Flat terrain, quiet back-road riding and great food make this a classic.
For more ideas or information, visit Grasshopper Adventures.
Have you cycled through Asia? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below!
